I could be getting some reading done or finally organizing my pantry, but instead, while scrolling Instagram the other day, I stumbled upon some delectable-looking rugelach made by Israeli content creator Shiran Matetyahu (@shiran_matetyahu).
Israeli rugelach are made with a time-consuming yeasted dough, and are deliciously squidgy and dense. But instead of making a yeasted dough from scratch, Shiran uses store-bought malawach dough. Malawach is a Yemenite flat bread, and both fresh and frozen varieties are very common throughout Israel. The latter is also relatively easy to find in the U.S.; I buy it at my local Shop Rite, but have also seen it at Stop & Shop and kosher markets (and my kids absolutely love it!).
In Shiran’s video, she makes a homemade chocolate filling and layers it on top of one malawach round; she places another malwach on top and then spreads the second layer with chocolate-hazelnut spread. I wasn’t feeling quite as ambitious, so I just did two layers of chocolate-hazelnut spread. You could also use non-dairy Israeli chocolate spread, which is available online or in kosher supermarkets.
I had several people taste test the final result, and the gooey treat was universally loved. In fact, my daughter ate five of them and asked me to please make another batch while she was at dance class. They are definitely on the sweeter side, which you could offset with a homemade filling. But for a fraction of the work, you get a crispy, flaky, gooey pastry.
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Note: Store-bought malawach is pareve (non-dairy!), so with a non-dairy spread inside these are an absolutely perfect dairy free dessert when you need one.
Easy Israeli-Style Rugelach
With just four ingredients, these easy Israeli-style rugelach are a delightful treat that comes together in minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 rugelach
Ingredients
- 2 discs of frozen malawach, left to thaw for 1 hour
- chocolate-hazelnut spread or Israeli chocolate spread
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of defrosted malawach to approximately 10-inch diameter circle.
- Spread a thin, even layer of chocolate spread on the first layer. Place second piece of malawach on top. Spread another thin, even layer on top of the second piece of malawach.
- Using a pizza cutter or very sharp knife, divide into 16 even triangles. Roll up each piece and place in a greased baking dish. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until oozing and slightly crisp on top.
- While rugelach are baking, combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, and reduce the heat. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
- When rugelach are done, gently pour sugar syrup on top of all the rugelach. Allow to cool slightly before eating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Israeli
What is Malawach? And where can I buy it?
Hi Lottie, malawach is a layered Yemenite flat bread (read more about it here). You can find it in the freezer section of kosher markets and some major supermarket chains.
What is Malachi?
Hi Harriet, read all about Malawach, a layered Yemenite flat bread here.
Too bad malawach is not available in the US.
Hi Jeanne, you can find it in the freezer section of kosher markets and some major supermarket chains. (Or make it yourself!)
I actually made the Malawach dough! I used it to make this rugelach. I used chocolate bars from TJ’s and melted it to use. I loved this rugelach! It’s so much what I got when I was young! It’s a perfect recipe!
Fabulous! So glad you enjoyed.